occasional indulgence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "occasional indulgence" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to imply taking occasional breaks to indulge in something like an activity or a treat. For example: "I allow myself an occasional indulgence of a slice of chocolate cake as a reward for a job well done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Pilgrims should be entitled to an occasional indulgence once they reach their destination.

The New York Times - Food

Everything in moderation, a varied diet and an occasional indulgence is my usual strategy.

The New York Times - Food

Why do we begrudge people struggling to get by the occasional indulgence?

The Washington Post

Steak is an occasional indulgence for most of us, so you may as well enjoy it to the full.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Others write off their cheating, like padded expense reports, as an occasional indulgence or a victimless crime committed in distant geographical and emotional territory.

The New York Times - Magazine

But just as nutrition pundits preach to moderate a high-fat and sugar-filled diet with vegetables and fruit, I'm here to persuade you to moderate your January juice cleanse with the occasional indulgence.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Vanilla ice cream This is another food that contains too much refined sugar, although these occasional indulgences do not detract too much from what is, I think, a quite decent diet.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the medium appetite and occasional indulgences.

Duke University

All you have to do is keep doing what you're used to doing with a few modest and occasional indulgences added to your lifestyle.

Science Magazine

Then have occasional indulgences.

HuffPost

"Effective altruists in my experience don't feel guilty about occasional indulgences," said Singer.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "occasional indulgence" to suggest a balanced approach to lifestyle choices, indicating that strict adherence to rules or routines can be softened with infrequent treats or exceptions. This can apply to diet, work, or any area where flexibility can enhance well-being.

Common error

Avoid excessive apologies or justifications when mentioning an "occasional indulgence". A simple acknowledgement is often sufficient, as over-explanation can undermine the intended sense of balance and moderation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "occasional indulgence" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to the act or instance of allowing oneself something enjoyable but not habitual. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its versatile use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "occasional indulgence" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe the act of sometimes allowing oneself something pleasurable but not habitual. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, suggesting its relevance in discussions of lifestyle, diet, and personal well-being. When using this phrase, remember that the key is moderation and balance, and over-justifying such instances might detract from the intended message. Consider alternative expressions like "infrequent treat" or "sporadic luxury" to subtly shift the emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infrequent treat

Focuses on the rarity of the enjoyable experience, highlighting it as a special event.

sporadic luxury

Emphasizes the lavishness and irregular nature of the indulgence.

rare delight

Highlights the pleasure derived from something uncommon.

periodic enjoyment

Focuses on the timing and the pleasure received at intervals.

intermittent pleasure

Highlights the stop-start nature of the satisfaction.

seldom-granted leniency

Emphasizes the sparing allowance of something that is not usually permitted.

off-and-on satisfaction

Stresses the inconsistent availability and consumption of the enjoyable thing.

one-off dalliance

Connotes a unique and casual encounter with something pleasant.

from-time-to-time self-reward

Highlights the aspect of rewarding oneself at irregular intervals.

once-in-a-while luxury

Stresses the infrequency and lavishness of the indulgence.

FAQs

How can I incorporate an "occasional indulgence" into my diet?

Allowing for an "occasional indulgence" /s/occasional+indulgence can help maintain a balanced approach to eating. Instead of completely restricting certain foods, plan for small, infrequent treats to prevent feelings of deprivation.

What is a good synonym for "occasional indulgence"?

Alternatives to "occasional indulgence" /s/occasional+indulgence include "infrequent treat", "sporadic luxury", or "rare delight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to have an "occasional indulgence" when trying to reach a goal?

Yes, an "occasional indulgence" /s/occasional+indulgence can be part of a sustainable plan. It's about moderation and not letting the indulgence derail your overall progress. Some experts suggest it can help prevent burnout.

What's the difference between "occasional indulgence" and "frequent indulgence"?

"Occasional indulgence" /s/occasional+indulgence refers to infrequent, planned treats or exceptions. "Frequent indulgence", on the other hand, implies a regular habit of enjoying such treats, which may not align with certain health or financial goals.